Rugby
Former Cheetahs centre won’t make England debut against the Boks─── MORGAN PIEK 09:26 Tue, 19 May 2026
Former Toyota Cheetahs centre and flyhalf Benhard Janse van Rensburg will narrowly miss out on making his England debut against the Springboks in July during the opening Test of the Nations Championship in Johannesburg.
The 29-year-old has been included in England’s 42-man training squad for their tour to South Africa, marking another major milestone in a career that has taken him from Potchefstroom club rugby to the brink of international honours.
Janse van Rensburg first made a name for himself as a standout performer in the Varsity Cup for the NWU Eagles, while also representing the Leopards in Potchefstroom before joining the Cheetahs in 2018.
Benhard Janse van Rensburg scoring for the Cheetahs against Benneton during the then Guinness PRO14. Photo: Morgan Piek
The versatile back quickly became a fan favourite in Bloemfontein and played an important role in the Cheetahs side that lifted the 2019 Currie Cup title after beating the Golden Lions 31-28 in a thrilling final.
In the aftermath of that famous victory, Janse van Rensburg became something of a cult hero after proudly wearing his playing kit for days on end during the celebrations.
After a short spell in Japan with NEC Green Rockets, he moved to England, where he made 53 appearances for London Irish before joining Bristol Bears, where he continues to impress in the Premiership.
Janse van Rensburg has been on England’s radar for some time, and his consistent performances in England’s top flight have now earned him a place in Steve Borthwick’s wider training group.
Benhard Janse van Rensburg in action for the Bristol Bears in England. Photo: X
Although he made a brief 20-minute appearance for the Junior Springboks in 2016, he was cleared to represent England last November following a successful appeal by the Rugby Football Union.
The Bristol Bears midfielder officially qualifies for England on 8 July through World Rugby’s five-year residency rule. While that means he will miss the chance to face the back-to-back world champions in his country of birth by just four days, he will be eligible for England’s clashes against Fiji on 11 July and Argentina on 18 July.
The Springboks and England will lock horns on 4 July at Ellis Park in Johannesburg.
